Fundraisers get on their bikes for cancer charity
VOLUNTEERS’ 140-MILE RIDE FOR RESPITE AT HOSPITAL
CYCLISTS will be undertaking a 140mile challenge this month in aid of a charity which supports local children and teenagers battling cancer.
Employees of controlled bolting manufacturer Global OEM HTL Group will be joined by family and friends as they take on an annual cycling challenge, along with other fundraising activities, to support local charity Jessica’s Sarcoma Awareness.
The charity was set up by Jessica Robson’s family after she sadly lost her battle with a rare form of cancer at the age of just 18. Alveolar Soft Part Sarcoma (ASPS) is a very rare, slow-growing tumour of an unknown origin, which arises primarily in children and young adults.
The charity’s mission is to achieve Jessica’s dream of building a respite lodge for families and children who are battling cancer.
The lodge project, which is now almost complete, will provide families with a place to stay whilst undergoing cancer treatment at the RVI hospital in Newcastle, as well as offering a chance to make treasured memories away from home.
Each cyclist has a sponsorship target of £100, however the company’s previous cycling challenges have exceeded all expectations, with the sponsorship target beaten every year.
The HTL Group cycling challenges alone have raised more than £11,000 for the charity with the generosity of supporters greatly appreciated by the riders and also Jessica’s family.
Trevor Robson, Jessica’s father, said: “Jessica has left such a legacy through
all of her hard work to fight this horrible disease, her inspiration is continued every day through everyone that knew her.
“HTL unfortunately didn’t get the pleasure to meet Jess but her inspiration has driven this lovely team of people to take on another challenge in her memory.
“For the last four years, these guys have come together to raise funds and awareness for Jessica’s charity and Jess’s dream would not be possible if we didn’t receive the support from businesses like HTL and the wider community.
“Jess’s dream will always be our focus and we can’t wait to reach our target to start building the lodges on our land in Henshaw.”
The two-day challenge will see riders cover a distance of 140 miles starting at Edinburgh Castle and finishing at HTL’s headquarters in Cramlington on Sunday, where they will enjoy a well-earned celebration with family and friends.
If you would like to sponsor the team and donate to Jessica’s Sarcoma